Proselytizing: Is the Pope right to criticize?

 

I’m confused. Pope Francis has used words condemning meaningful, loving Catholic Christians who proselytize… evangelize. Isn’t that what Jesus called His disciples to do? "Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age" (Mt 28:19-20) 

Not to be confused with sola scriptura, I believe Holy Scripture. Go, therefore to me means exactly what Jesus commanded. It’s not a suggestion or a, “If you have time, could you?” question. Because my mind is limited, I did a little research. 

In the May 11, 2018 issue of Catholic News Agency, Bishop Arthur Serratelli wrote an article addressing this subject. May I present a couple of quotes.

On the surface, the Holy Father's strong condemnation of proselytism may make some committed Catholics begin to question. If it is a sin to try to convert others to the faith, then is Jesus truly the one Savior of all people? If it is a sin to attempt to bring others into the Catholic Church, is the Church no longer the very means of salvation that Christ established? Is one religion as good as another? These are very serious questions that touch on the very foundations of our Catholic faith.

Pope Francis' strong language is directed at the modern meaning of proselytism. This meaning includes using any type of pressure to convert someone, whether it is moral, political or economic. It means caricaturing with unfair criticism the beliefs of others. Proselytism in its present meaning includes inducing people by offering them any kind of assistance, such as food, education, shelter or clothing. In each of these cases, proselytism is wrong because it does not respect the freedom of the other. However, while these methods of making converts is sinful, inviting others to the fullness of truth is not only not wrong but is truly an act of love.

The Church is born to evangelize. This is her task. This is the reason for her very existence. "Evangelization is in fact…her deepest identity. She exists in order to evangelize" (Blessed Pope Paul VI, Evangelii Nuntandi, 14. 8).  (my emphasis)

Most assuredly, Pope Francis is not against this. He is simply warning others that the necessary work of bringing the truth to others must always be done in love and with respect for the other person. Pope Benedict XVI clearly taught this when he said, "The Church does not engage in proselytism. Instead, she grows by attraction. Just as Christ draws all to himself by the power of his love, culminating in the sacrifice of the cross, so the Church fulfills her mission to the extent that, in union with Christ, she accomplishes every one of her works in spiritual and practical imitation of the love of her Lord" (Address to The Bishops of Latin America and the Caribbean, 2017).

While I appreciate what the good Bishop wrote, I challenge the final paragraph above. 

For example, I have 3 adult children… all in their forties. The oldest is not sure he believes in God and the youngest doesn’t believe she has go to church. Our middle child is a devout Catholic. I am no longer allowed, by my wife and middle child, to broach the subject of God or Church for fear it would drive them further away. 

In a general example, if we point out a sin, keeping in mind we are ourselves sinners, it is automatically thought of as hate, when I know it is an act of charity.

The advice I’ve received from clergy is to pray, fast and give alms. I don’t have a problem with that. My confusion lies in the fact that I should do more than being passive in prayer. As Paul writes in 2 Timothy 4:1-4:

“I solemnly urge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will someday judge the living and the dead when he comes to set up his Kingdom: Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.

For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths.

But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.” (my emphasis)

Is proselytizing simply a “dirty” word? Perhaps I should use the common word, evangelize. It doesn’t matter what we call it. To proselytize means to turn/convert someone to a religion of a belief system. If someone believes in evil things, then I surely want proselytize so they can avoid hell. If the Catholic Church is, indeed, Christ’s True Church, why wouldn’t I want everyone, based on my charity, to reap the benefits of the 7 Sacraments? 

I do agree with the quoted article above, proselytizing without charity can be sinful. In Acts 3:20 it is written, “When God raised up his servant, Jesus, he sent him first to you people of Israel, to bless you by turning each of you back from your sinful ways.” In my humble opinion, and since Jesus is not here on earth, it is up to us to turn people from their sinful ways. Isn’t it?

So, what do you think?

God Bless you all.